Attachment Styles in Children Living in Alternative Care: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Manuela Garcia Quiroga,Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis

doi:10.1007/s10566-015-9342-x

Manuela Garcia Quiroga, Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-015-9342-x

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Abstract

BackgroundA large number of children are currently living in Alternative Care. The relationship they establish with their temporary caregivers can play a significant role in their development. However, little has been published regarding attachment with temporary Caregivers.ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to analyse the existing published studies regarding attachment styles in children living in alternative care (Children’s Homes and Foster Care). The review analyses rates of attachment styles and associated factors (including characteristics of settings, children and caregivers) in both settings.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted searching electronic databases for peer reviewed publications in different languages. Studies considering attachment in children living in Children’s Homes or Foster families at the time of the study were included.ResultsOverall, 18 articles reporting 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results are presented in terms of characteristics of the studies, rates of attachment in different settings and possible mediating factors. Implications for practice and research are discussed.ConclusionsAttachment styles in children living in alternative care differ from those observed in children living with biological or adoptive families, however several factors can mediate this outcome (including characteristics of settings, children and caregivers). Most research has been conducted in Europe and USA. Therefore, further research is needed in less developed countries in order to guide local policies for better care.

Highlights

The importance of Attachment in children’s development has been widely studied and there is strong evidence about the impact of the relationship a child establishes with his primary caregivers on different developmental areas
Attachment styles in children living in alternative care differ from those observed in children living with biological or adoptive families, several factors can mediate this outcome
Six studies were conducted with children living in institutions and six of them with children living in Foster Care

Summary

Introduction

The importance of Attachment in children’s development has been widely studied and there is strong evidence about the impact of the relationship a child establishes with his primary caregivers on different developmental areas (i.e., cognitive, physical, emotional and social; Main et al 1985; Sroufe 2005). Whilst the study of attachment was initially centred on the mother–child bond (Bowlby 1979), it was later developed to include the concept of multiple attachments, such as with the father, kin and day carers (Rutter et al 2007; Santelices and Perez 2013) This is important to consider for orphans, abandoned children and those who are removed from their families for protection or other reasons (such as poverty, gender, disability or age of mother in different countries) and are taken into some form of ‘Alternative Care’ (AC)—either in Children’s Homes or foster families. Little has been published regarding attachment with temporary Caregivers

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